Jade competes with ex-Team GB athlete Caroline Powell, who skis closely in front of Jade at speeds of up to 65mph and uses pre-determined commands via helmet radios to help Jade to negotiate the course as quickly as possible.

Skiers with blindness or a visual impairment are guided through the race course by a sighted guide using signals to indicate the course to follow.

This involves a high level of trust between the athlete and the guide, and they are both awarded medals if they reach the podium.

https://twitter.com/raceyjadeski/status/370462755049832448/

Graham Meeson, Head of Education and Learning at Bishop Grosseteste University said: “Jade is not only an inspirational athlete but an inspiration to everyone she meets.

“Her attitude and the way she has handled steadily losing her eyesight is a testament to her character and she has demonstrated that there really is no barrier that can prevent you achieving your goals and competing at the highest level.

“We’ll be following her progress in Sochi and we really hope to see her back in Lincoln with a gold medal!”